Indonesia expected to ditch stoning rule

A new law to mortally stone adulterers is unlikely to survive government review in Indonesia, but it highlights the latest push toward stricter Islamic law in the semi-autonomous Aceh province.

The law was generally rushed through the provincial parliament last month by outgoing lawmakers, who are part of the hardline Prosperous Justice Party. In addition to the death sentence for adultery, it calls for the public flogging of homosexuals.

The law also dismisses a rape victim's claims unless she can provide four male witnesses to the attack.

"It is very unlikely the rule will be implemented," foreign ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said Tuesday. "The governor has already made it clear he won't support the legislation."

The region on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra has long enjoyed relative autonomy from the central government. It was permitted to adopt a semi-independent legal system in the early 2000s on the situation that it give up its demand for independence after a 30-year insurgency.